Salary Negotiation: How to Ask for More (and Get It)

Many Nigerians are afraid to negotiate because they fear the offer will be withdrawn. This rarely happens. If a company wants you, they expect you to negotiate. Not negotiating can actually signal a lack of confidence, especially for senior roles.

You can't just pick a number from the air.

1. Know the Market Rate: Use sites like MySalaryScale or Glassdoor (filtered for Nigeria) to check what your role pays.
2. Factor in Inflation: ₦200k in 2023 is not ₦200k in 2026. Ensure your ask covers your living expenses plus savings.

The best time is AFTER you have the offer but BEFORE you sign.
Do not discuss salary in the first interview if you can avoid it. If asked, say: "I am open to a competitive market rate, but I'd love to learn more about the role first."

Scenario 1: The offer is too low.
"Thank you for the offer. I am really excited about the team. However, based on my experience and market research, I was looking at a range of ₦X - ₦Y. Is there any flexibility in the budget?"

Scenario 2: They say "That's our best offer".
"I understand. If the base salary is fixed, can we discuss a sign-on bonus, performance review after 3 months, or a transport allowance?"

Salary is not everything. In Nigeria, benefits matter huge.

• HMO (Health Insurance): Crucial. Ensure it covers your family if you are married.
• Remote Work: Asking for 2 days WFH saves you money on fuel/transport.
• 13th Month Pay: Ask if this is standard policy.